This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Here we go again. Republican Jack Draxler of North Logan is trying to force his moral values on the rest of the state. It never ceases to amaze me that Republicans are against every tax increase, except those on cigarettes or alcohol.

Why not increase taxes on soft drinks, cake or pizza and use that money for obesity prevention? He wants us to believe that the tax hike will go to fight underage drinking. I agree with Jim Olsen of the Utah Beer Wholesalers Association: The money will go for prevention and treatment for a year or two, and then it will be absorbed into general funds. Increase taxes equally, not just for people who consume alcohol.